Makin' Mochi

How to Make Mochi (Japanese Rice Sweets)

Put the steamed rice in the large, stone, mortar. Pound repeatedly until it turns into a sticky, solid mass, resembling dough.

Continue to turn the pounded rice over upon itself, and pound. Pound, pound, pound!

Try to refrain from breaking the hammer, like I did.

Roll the giant rice dough ball into a flat sheet on a lightly floured cutting board. Cut into smaller squares. Fill the squares with sweet red bean paste. Roll into a small ball, with the red bean paste in the centre.

Your arms will become very tired from making mochi. Remember to stretch thoroughly before beginning.

Be careful not to hit your friends with the hammer. Mochi making is a fun Japanese tradition if you keep these simple rules in mind!

Happy New Year!